Dear Prime Minister, Dear Ministers, Excellencies, Dear United Nations colleagues, Dear guests,
We gather here today at an important time, a time burdened with multiple serious concerns and global uncertainties. The threat of, and concerns about, the Coronavirus, with which humanity and the world have been struggling, serve as a metaphor for many of the unknowns we face.
Paradoxically, however, there are also renewed hopes and expectations among people worldwide for responsible leadership and inclusive societies—societies that are more just and sustainably developed.
For the United Nations, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of its foundation. The United Nations was established 75 years ago after the end of the Second World War, the most devastating and disastrous chapter in human history.
Nothing is more essential for a better and more reliable future than peace, and for that reason we should recognize the 75th anniversary of the United Nations as a critical milestone during a difficult and uncertain time. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the past and think about the future.
To mark this occasion, the Secretary-General launched a global conversation about how all of us, together, can build the future we hope for and bring about the change we expect.
Here in Kosovo, as clearly reflected in last year’s election results, the hope of the people—for change and for new beginnings—rests firmly with their government.
Mr. Prime Minister, I would like once again to congratulate you on your premiership, and I wish you every success in implementing the wide-ranging programme of work you have set out for your government. It is an ambitious reform agenda, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and economic development.
The success of these efforts will require political will and commitment, as well as the support of the international community. The United Nations stands ready to support you in all appropriate ways.
For the United Nations in Kosovo, 2020 is the year to define its priorities for the coming five years. As Special Representative of the Secretary-General, let me commend Ulrika and the UN Kosovo Team for the excellent work they have done in conducting an extensive analysis of the Kosovo context and carrying out wide-reaching consultations.
These efforts will ensure that the UN Kosovo Team’s proposed priorities for the years 2021–2025 are fully aligned with the government’s agenda.
Ulrika, colleagues, let me assure you that we stand with you. We are “One UN,” and we will support you as family.
Nearly two years ago, the United Nations convened the Kosovo Trust-Building Forum in Ljubljana. One hundred and twenty community representatives developed 135 recommendations, which we refer to as the Trust-Building Agenda.
So far, nearly 300 initiatives have been launched based on those recommendations by Kosovo civil society, central and local institutions, media professionals, and other relevant sectors of society, with support from the UN family and other international partners.
Building trust is a critical step on the longer road toward lasting reconciliation and lays the foundations for enduring peace and a sustained, inclusive, and stable society in Kosovo.
Going forward, we are determined to continue supporting the people of Kosovo, its institutions, and civil society in these efforts.
In that spirit, I wish you, and all of us, a successful retreat.
Thank you.
